Because my first blog was a tribute to the City of Detroit, I think it’s only natural for my second blog to be shout-outs to the PEOPLE integral to my first 2 months of Challenge Detroit.

I think the term “shout-out” is a bit played out, so in honor of the World Series Champion San Francisco Giants, I’m doling out Baseball themed Tips of the Cap (TotC).

A Colorado Rockies Tip of the Cap to Nellie Tsai!

My partner, confidant, and best friend is the obvious choice for my first TotC.  This past month has been a bit of a rollercoaster for me, and Nellie has definitely been my rock.  I love the rituals we’ve developed including: long conversation filled walks with Dexter, craft beer Fridays at 8 degrees Plato, Amazing Race dinners, and always kissing goodbye before leaving the house.  She also rocked the Detroit Half marathon, even after getting injured in the first mile!

A Texas Rangers Tip of the Cap to Gary Wozniak, George Gardiner, and Annie Hakim of RecoveryPark.

Challenge Detroit partnered with RecoveryPark for Year Three’s first challenge.  RecoveryPark’s mantra of Local.Live.Fresh will transform communities through urban farming.  They have a very ambitious plan for the future of local food growing, distribution and job creation in Detroit.   It’s definitely an organization worth checking out now, and in the future as they grow.  I instantly took to the Buy Local idea, as my little sis, Renae Cassie, has been living the local organic food lifestyle for many years now.

A Ranger is someone in charge of protecting and maintaining nature’s beauty; similar to RP’s goal of remediating and maintaining the land of an extremely blighted area of Detroit (had to tie it in somehow ☺)

A Detroit Tigers Tip of the Cap to Jan Dillaha of Clark Hill.

Self-promotion has always made me a little uncomfortable.  Jan gets the Tiger award for championing my work at Clark Hill.  Not only does she check in on my blog status, she then promotes it to the rest of my coworkers.  I really appreciate her support and encouragement. Kevin Demorest and Donna Perry also get individual TotC’s for patiently training and integrating me into the department.  The rest of my friendly Clark Hill coworkers get TotC for making my first 3 months so enjoyable.

A Minnesota Twins Tip of the Cap to Justin Romero and Sherry Tsai.

Justin and Sherry (Nellie’s little sis) have been our first ambassadors to Detroit and Southeast Michigan.  Like a set of Twins, we spend a lot of time with them, enjoying the best the area has to offer. They have initiated maiden trips to restaurants like: Slows, Seva, Motor City Beer, and many more. They have also been our companions to great events like: Noel Night, Fall Flavors Festival (Green Field Village), and Tigers games.  I look forward to more great times spent with Justin & Sherry! Oh and their two doggies, Roxy and Griffon.

A Pittsburgh Pirate Tip of the Cap to Fellows Zeke Harris, Jessy Wang, and Jen Ehrhardt.

A couple weeks back,  Challenge Detroit volunteered with the Belle Isle Conservancy to help plant Daffodils.  We had a great time working towards their “Daffodil Dream,” to plant 1 Daffodil for every resident of Detroit throughout the beautiful Island.

Afterwards, a few of us explored the gorgeous Conservatory.  While the amazing plant diversity and ecosystems are a must-see, my true takeaway was the crazy blast I had with the merry band of Pirates: Zeke, Jessy, and Jen.  As we jaunted through the vegetation, we joked, analyzed dreams, and recreated childhood wonderment.  By the end, my cheeks hurt from laughing so much–thanks for the great time guys!

Tip of the Cap  – LIGHTNING ROUND –

Chicago Cubs Tip of the Cap to Mark and Veronica Hennessey for welcoming their own Cub, Leo, into their and our lives 4 months ago.

New York Mets Tip of the Cap to Clark Hill Attorney’s Duane Tarnacki and Peter Jackson, for taking me to lunch and sharing their knowledge on the Metropolitan city that is Detroit.

Atlanta Braves Tip of the Cap to our dog Dexter, for Bravely going through surgery this month.

Finally, a San Francisco Giant Tip of the Cap to my parents, for the Giant amount of support and love they constantly provide.